Conceptual Cost Manager

About the Role

The Conceptual Cost Manager (CCM) represents Global Operations (GO) during Product Early Engagement, from early concept phase until project handover to the Partner Manager prior to RFQ.

The CCM is responsible for safeguarding and optimizing total product cost by challenging Product Managers and R&D on technologies, specifications, materials, design solutions, and manufacturing processes.

This role requires hands-on experience with full product structures, with clear understanding of all components required to build a complete product (e.g., Audio headsets), and how each component impacts cost, performance, manufacturability, and supply risk.

Working closely with Global Sourcing and Partner Management, the CCM ensures Design for Value from ideation to mass production.

Key Responsibilities

Represent GO in Product Early Engagement and embed cost considerations early in product definition.

Establish transparent product cost reporting based on agreed assumptions (FCS, volumes, logistics, supply chain, features, ID & CMF, manufacturing location).

Develop product should-be cost estimates with cost intervals and breakdowns aligned with KO, Pre-BC, and BC gates.

Guide projects through cost inputs, key part scenarios, and total product cost impact analysis.

Communicate cost uncertainties and drive actions to reduce NPI risk.

Apply system-level BOM understanding to analyze and challenge component choices for complete products.

Ensure alternative solutions for key parts are evaluated.

Support value engineering, competitive cost analysis, and manufacturability improvements.

Lead Mandated Parts Governance and collaborate with Partner Managers and Commodity Managers on SOW, RFQ, and BC evaluations.

Support scouting and sourcing of new technologies, materials, and Tier-2 suppliers.

Manage mandated parts cost lists, MOQs, business terms, and quarterly CRs.

Ensure GO is informed of mandated part risks (cost, supply, quality) and monitor mitigation plans.

Drive continuous improvement in Conceptual Cost Management.

Manage cost action lists and follow up on execution.

Act as a GO ambassador and mentor other CCMs.

Qualifications

- Education & Experience

Engineering background (mechanics, electronics, manufacturing, or similar).

Minimum 10 years of sourcing or procurement experience in consumer electronics or related industries.

57 years in cost management, value engineering, or similar roles.

Hands-on experience with full product BOMs, with clear understanding of all components required for complete products (e.g., Audio headsets).

Experience with Audio (Headsets/TWS) or HID products is an advantage.

- Skills

Strong technical and commercial understanding.

Proven experience in product cost breakdown and teardown analysis.

Familiar with Design for X, VE, VA, and competitor analysis.

Data-driven, analytical, and comfortable with uncertainty.

Strong stakeholder communication and influencing skills.

Fluent English (both speaking and writing); intermediate Excel and PowerPoint skills.